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$2.4M distribution centre opens

Shipping tons of material from 8 Wing/CFB Trenton to locations around the world just got easier and a lot more efficient.

8 Wing Commander Col. Dave Cochrane cut the ribbon to open the new Material Distribution Centre at the base Tuesday.

The $2.4-million project is an amalgamation and co-location of the Wing's Central Material Traffic Terminal of 2 Air Movement Squadron (2 AMS) with the material distribution centre of Wing Supply.

Last year, more than 35-million pounds of freight was shipped from 8 Wing around the world, including Afghanistan and the massive relief effort in Haiti.

"Integrating Wing Supply and 2 AMS allows us to support Wing operations at a much higher level,'' said 2 AMS Commanding Officer Maj. Ken Mills. "We're looking forward to moving another 35-million pounds next year.''

Cochrane told about 40 base personnel, it is "great" to see the distribution centre become a reality.

"This improves our efficiencies and creates more team work. I want to thank all the personnel from various sections for their hard work,'' said Cochrane.

The distribution centre was part of a massive $334-million building boom at the base announced in September 2009 by Defence Minister Peter MacKay. That was on top of $500 million worth of new infrastructure announced in 2008.

Wing Construction Engineering Officer Maj. Phil Baker said the project was completed on budget and nearly on time.

"This consolidates the handling of all material on the base,'' said Baker.

Prior to construction, material had to be gathered from several locations on the base prior to shipping.

Baker said $150 million worth of projects have been completed, with another $200 million currently in various stages of construction. He said another $100 million worth of projects will be tendered over the next six months.

Other major projects underway at the base include:

- A $122.6-million, 16,630-square-meter two-bay maintenance hangar for the fleet of four CC-17 Globemasters;

- a 17,000-square-metre Air Mobility Training Centre. The facility will house the equipment and personnel required to train operators and maintenance personnel for the new fleet C-130J Hercules;